Explore opportunities, check deadlines, and apply today:
- NCWRC Permit Hunting Opportunities → ncwildlife.gov
- Go Outdoors North Carolina Portal → gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com or use the GoOutdoorsNorthCarolina App: click on the deer icon at bottom of screen, follow permit hunts- apply
Limited access. Greater opportunity. A better hunt.
The Power of Permit Hunts
NCWRC’s permit hunt system is designed with purpose. By limiting access and managing hunter numbers, the Commission protects wildlife, preserves habitat quality, and creates high‑value hunting experiences across the state.
Permit hunts are available for:
- Big Game: Deer, bear, turkey, feral hogs
- Small Game: Rabbits, squirrels, dove, and more
- Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and migratory birds
- Tundra Swan: Seasonal, highly sought-after hunts
- Furbearer Trapping: Coyotes, bobcats, and other furbearers
And importantly, special permit hunts ensure access for youth hunters and persons with disabilities, strengthening North Carolina’s commitment to inclusive outdoor recreation.
These hunts aren’t just about opportunity—they’re about stewardship, tradition, and giving every hunter a fair shot.
How Permit Hunts Work
NCWRC uses a random draw system each year. Hunters can apply:
- As individuals, or
- As a party, where everyone is selected together or not at all
Each party receives a unique ID number, keeping the process fair and transparent.
Application Rules to Know:
- You may apply once per hunt area per species
- Applications and point‑of‑sale permits are non‑refundable
- Most hunts open for applications on or after July 1
- Each hunt item lists its own deadline, so check carefully
For Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, public hunts are administered through Recreation.gov, with details available on the refuge’s website.
Easy Registration & Requirements
Hunters can apply online using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard) through:
To participate, hunters must have:
- Go Outdoors North Carolina www.gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com
- The appropriate state hunting license
- A Federal Duck Stamp (for waterfowl hunters age 16+)
NCWRC also offers permit packages that bundle required stamps and licenses—making compliance simple and stress‑free.
Need help? NCWRC staff are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at 833‑950‑0575.
Why Hunters Love Permit Hunts
Permit hunts are more than a draw—they’re a doorway to exceptional experiences:
- Reduced hunting pressure
- Access to special areas not open during general seasons
- Higher-quality encounters with game
- Fair, transparent selection
- Opportunities for youth and hunters with disabilities
- A deeper connection to North Carolina’s wild places
Whether you’re chasing your first deer, calling ducks at sunrise, or mentoring a young hunter, permit hunts offer the kind of days you’ll talk about for years.
Your Next Step Into the Field
North Carolina’s permit hunts are calling—step into the season with confidence and claim your place in the tradition